About Chatel

Hugues, a watchmaking virtuoso, commenced his journey in the field of horology by enrolling in a prestigious watchmaking academy in Besancon, France. One of his early undertakings, a skeletonized pocket watch with reversed time indication, won him the Concoure des Metiers d'Art prize, a coveted national competition in France. Pursuing his aspirations further, he completed his horology education from l'école d'horlogerie and microtechnique in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and obtained a diploma of horologist, setting the foundation of his exceptional craftsmanship.

Hugues's pursuit of excellence led him to the Musée International d'horlogerie, where he honed his skills in restoring antique timepieces, including a complete Marine Chronometer and other precision Marine regulator instruments, a testament to his passion for his work.

In 1984, Hugues ventured to the United States and started working at a timepiece restoration workshop in Marine County. However, his skills and passion led him to open his own watch retail business in the picturesque village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, featuring exclusive watch brands, quickly establishing Chatel as a must-visit destination for watch enthusiasts.

In 1998, Chatel became the premier Panerai dealer and service center in North America, further elevating the already stellar status of this horological masterpiece. Come and visit Chatel, and experience timeless craftsmanship at its very finest.